Why Make This Recipe
Rotisserie Chicken and Rice Soup is a delightful way to use leftover rotisserie chicken, turning it into a warm and comforting meal. This soup is not just tasty; it’s also easy to prepare, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or chilly days. The combination of tender chicken, hearty rice, and vibrant vegetables creates a satisfying dish that brings the family together. It is also a versatile recipe, allowing you to adjust the ingredients according to what you have on hand.
This soup is perfect for anyone looking for a wholesome meal that doesn’t require extensive cooking skills or time. It’s also a great way to take advantage of the delicious flavors already present in rotisserie chicken, making it a smart, economical choice for families. Enjoying a bowl of warm soup can be a comforting experience, and this recipe delivers just that.
How to Make Rotisserie Chicken and Rice Soup
Making Rotisserie Chicken and Rice Soup is straightforward and requires minimal ingredients. Here’s how to prepare this delicious dish step by step.
Ingredients
- 1 rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Directions
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté them until they are tender, about 5 to 7 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally, so they don’t stick to the pot.
Next, add the minced garlic and thyme to the pot. Cook for an additional minute, allowing the garlic to become fragrant. Stir it well so that the thyme gets evenly distributed.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. This will create a lovely base for your soup.
Once boiling, add the jasmine rice and stir it into the broth. It’s essential to reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and cooked through.
After the rice is cooked, stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken. Make sure it’s evenly distributed throughout the soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it another minute or two on the heat to warm up the chicken.
Serve warm. This soup is delicious on its own but pairs well with freshly baked bread or a side salad.
How to Serve Rotisserie Chicken and Rice Soup
Serving Rotisserie Chicken and Rice Soup is easy! Ladle the warm soup into bowls and enjoy it immediately. If you’d like, you can garnish each bowl with fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, for added freshness.
To make the meal a bit heartier, consider serving the soup with crusty bread or homemade rolls on the side. A sprinkle of grated cheese or a squeeze of lemon juice also adds a nice touch of flavor.
This soup can be part of a casual family dinner or a cozy night in with friends. No matter how you serve it, it’s sure to be a comforting choice.
How to Store Rotisserie Chicken and Rice Soup
If you have leftovers, storing your Rotisserie Chicken and Rice Soup is simple:
- Allow the soup to cool to room temperature.
- Transfer it to an airtight container.
- Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
If you want to keep it for a longer period, you can freeze the soup. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container or a zip-top freezer bag. The soup can be kept in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, defrost in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove until piping hot.
Tips to Make Rotisserie Chicken and Rice Soup
Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh vegetables will provide more flavor and nutrients.
Adjust the Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the salt and pepper according to your taste. You might also experiment with other herbs like bay leaves or rosemary for additional flavor.
Make It Creamy: For a creamier version of this soup, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk before serving.
Customize with Leftovers: Don’t hesitate to add leftover vegetables or any other protein you have on hand. This recipe is very flexible!
Variation
While the recipe is delicious as is, you can make several variations based on your preferences. Here are a few ideas:
Vegetarian Approach: Replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and skip the rotisserie chicken for a vegetarian version. You can add beans or tofu for protein.
Spicy Twist: Add a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup to give it a spicy kick.
Different Grains: You can substitute jasmine rice for quinoa or brown rice. Just adjust the cooking time according to the grain you choose.
FAQs
Can I Use Raw Chicken Instead of Rotisserie Chicken?
Yes, you can use raw chicken. Just ensure to cook it thoroughly before adding the broth and rice to the soup. It will take longer to prepare this way.
How Can I Thicken the Soup?
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a slurry of cornstarch and water. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the soup. Allow it to simmer until thickened.
Can I Use Other Types of Rice?
Absolutely! While jasmine rice works nicely, you can also use basmati rice, white rice, or even brown rice. Just be aware that different rices may require varying cooking times.
How Long Does It Take to Cook the Soup?
The preparation and cooking time typically take around 30 minutes, making it a quick meal option.
Is This Soup Freezer-Friendly?
Yes, Rotisserie Chicken and Rice Soup is great for freezing. Just be sure to cool it completely before storing it in freezer-safe containers.
In conclusion, Rotisserie Chicken and Rice Soup is a simple yet satisfying dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its comforting flavors and easy preparation, it’s a fantastic addition to your recipe collection!
Print
Rotisserie Chicken and Rice Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A warm and comforting soup made with leftover rotisserie chicken, jasmine rice, and vibrant vegetables, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and thyme to the pot. Cook for an additional minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, add the jasmine rice and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for about 15 minutes.
- Stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken, season with salt and pepper, and heat through for 1-2 minutes.
- Serve warm, optionally garnished with fresh herbs.
Notes
Pair the soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. You can also use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: chicken soup, rice soup, easy soup, comfort food, leftover chicken recipe